As someone who had glamorous visions of a great family, wealth, and success, I continuously worked hard and long hours in search of money and financial security. I got this work ethic from my dad who ran a meatpacking business.

Eventually, I became very successful. I had everything that most people long for, including a flourishing business, a stately house, a beach house, a boat, and even fancy cars. I even gave money and offered my time to Christian ministries and was involved regularly in church. However, my family life suffered greatly despite running a very fruitful business.

For a while, everything was going well in my life except for the fact that my relationship with Christ was replaced with the desire to succeed. Eventually, God allowed me to learn the hard way that this had to change.

My business failed, my family started coming apart, and I felt alone even though I was in church two to three times a week. I finally went broke and lost everything I had, including my business, home, cars, and retirement account. I soon realized that I had only been trusting myself rather than Christ, so I began to search for help.

I had grown up going to church and hearing about Christ all my life. I also had great parents who were the perfect role models. My life changed at 17 when I accepted Jesus Christ and left his wild days to live for the Jesus. Likewise, Christ was a big part in making me see the dangers of only focusing on material achievements.

Soon I realized that, despite being a Christian, my personal relationship with Christ is no longer as steadfast because I got sidetracked by my sole desire to succeed. So, I began to pay attention to God and learned that He didn’t just want me to be good. God ultimately wanted me to trust Him.

Things changed when I began trusting Jesus. God gave me another chance to start a business and provide for my family. When I started looking to God for direction, my business exceeded my expectations, and my relationship with my wife thrived more than ever. It was a tough journey, but I learned that all things are possible with Christ.

Before, I only focused on wealth and success, but I am now more interested in following Christ and helping others discover what He can do in their lives. I have included some simple information that can help you to learn more about knowing Christ personally.